NTGCSA Chapter Connect 2017 1st Quarter

Spring 2017

Volume 25 Issue 1

President’s Message 2017 is off to a great start. If you missed the annual banquet, you missed a wonderful evening. Thank you to Kevin Redburn for his leadership during 2016. NTGCSA has continued to grow stronger. In 2016, we grew in membership and financial strength, which allowed us to give more to The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and more Legacy Scholarships were awarded.

Thank you to Kevin Redburn, the entire 2016 Board of Directors and you, the members of NTGCSA. We have already had two great meetings with the educational meeting in February with Bud White doing a great job presenting.

The 21st Battle for Bully at Stevens Park with The West Winning make the record 11 West to 10 East.

Thank you to Aaron Schick (East) and Duane Janssen (West) taking charge as Captains. The golf course was in great condition thanks to Superintendent Frank Hutcheson and his staff.

I would like to challenge each of you to “Engage” in your NTGCSA this year.

Sign up your assistants, equipment managers and come out to the meetings. Sign up to host and event not just for 2017 but 2018. Also put some serious thought in to helping to serve on the board or its committees, remember it’s your association help make it better. Write an article for the newsletter, sign up and help represent golf at Earth DAY. Our next meeting is on April 18 at Grapevine Golf Course, Merlin will have the course dialed in for us. I am very excited about 2017 and hope to see you all at our meetings. Please remember to engage in your North Texas Golf Course Association.

Thanks, Mike Epps - NTGCSA President

About Us North Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association

Board of Directors President: Mike Epps mepps@miravistacountryclub.com Vice President: Kirt Phillips kirt@dallascountryclub.org Secretary / Treasurer: Bryan Brown bryan.brown@lkpoa.org Past President: Kevin Redburn redburnk@aol.com

Superintendent Directors Kyle Embry Willie Wallace

embry.kyle@gmail.com wwallace@dentoncc.org

Michael Underwood CGCS michaelu@ppoaweb.com Stan Wreyford CGCS swreyford@centurygolf.com Jorge Croda CGCS jorgec@southernoaksgolf.com

Vendor Directors Aaron Fox

afox@textron.com

Curt Franklin curt@gitexas.com

Chapter Executive Carol Cloud ntgcsa@gmail.com 817-377-4552 800-277-6449 5552 Plata Ln., Benbrook, TX 76126

Network with your peers!

Join us at: Ntgcsa.org and:

Bully Cup XXI Wrap Up Stevens Park and our host Frank Hutcheson provided a great day and an even better golf course for the 21st playing of the NTGCSA Bully Cup. A great turnout enjoyed a fun competition that saw the Westsiders captained by Duane Janssen win in lopsided fashion over the East Side team captained by Aaron Schick.

Even though the score wasn't too close, the competitors all enjoyed playing the “Ryder Cup” style matches on the historic Dallas course renovated by North Texas members of Colligan Design - John Colligan and Trey Kemp. John and Trey joined us for the event and enjoyed the accolades from all who played.

West Side Captain Duane Janssen immediately claimed his spot as Captain to return as defending champion in 2018.

Perhaps another Bully Cup tradition? We hope all of our first time players in the Bully Cup had a great time and will plan to join us for years to come.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor for the day, Harrell’s.

You helped make it a fun day!

A.C. and Garry Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award

This January, members of the North Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association met to honor Jorge Croda, CGCS, from Southern Oaks Golf Club as their Superintendent of the Year.

Rafael Barajas, Director-GCSAA and CGCS from Boca Grove Plantation and Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida flew in to present and congratulate Jorge with this honor.

Throughout his career as a superintendent Jorge has been an ambassador for his profession. His passion clearly shines through in how he integrates golf into all aspects of his personal and professional life. He has published several articles on the importance of leadership and diversity, writes a blog that focuses on all different aspects of golf, is a Certified Life Skills Coach with The First Tee, and has been working to bring The First Tee to Southern Oaks Golf Club.

Jorge Croda Jorge is also a board member and the chapter delegate for Golf Course Superintendent NTGCSA and a Grassroots Ambassador with the GCSAA. Southern Oaks Golf Club This past year he was a part of the Texas team that attended National Golf Day in Washington D.C. A highlight of his year in 2016 was taking a trip to Europe and visiting with several superintendents in Spain and Italy to learn about the similarities and differences of issues they face on their courses. He also devotes time to mentoring international GCSAA mem-

bers that are going through the Certified Superintendent certification process. This year he was also awarded the Environmental Leaders in Golf Chapter award.

During his 3 years at Southern Oaks Golf Club his hard work and creativity has put it back on the map. From a course that was once referred to as a “goat farm”, it has risen from 53rd to 5th place in the West of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in 2016 and rounds have increased by 61%. Members at Southern Oaks Golf Club adore Jorge and what he has done to improve, and continue improving, the course. He frequently seeks out member feedback to ensure that the playing experience is adaptable to players of all levels and always remains memorable.

Jorge attributes much of his success to developing a strong team, always maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on customer service and a cohesive vision.

Also honored that night, was Brian Cloud who was presented the NTGCSA Distinguished Service Award. He was recognized for his continued contribution and dedication to the golf industry in North Texas. Brian has been a part of the NTGCSA for 31 years and has been a member as an Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and Affiliate. He served as the association’s Chapter Executive for 8 years prior to moving to his current position as GCSAA Field Staff Representative for the South Central region. In that position, he worked closely with golf course superintendents and affiliated chapters in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas by focusing on education, professional development and advocacy.

Cloud, has a bachelor's degree in agronomy from Texas A&M University. He got his start in the industry as an assistant golf course superintendent working at Northwood Club in Dallas and Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth. His resume includes superintendent positions at Fossil Creek Golf Club in Fort Worth, Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, Calif., and Mira Vista Golf Club in Fort Worth.

Cloud was honored in 2000 as the A.C. Bearden Superintendent of the Year Award while he was at Mira Vista. He has mentored and trained many individuals who have had successful superintendent careers.

Congratulations to these two gentlemen for their well deserved honors.

February Education Event - Mira Vista Counrty Club We had a great day at Mira Vista Country Club in Fort Worth. Thank you Mike Epps for being a great host.

Thank you Bud White of Arnold Palmer Golf Management for a terrific educational program.

Bud has been a speaker at NTGCSA events many times over the years and always does a great job.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Helena who made it a great day.

And thanks to all members who took time out of their busy schedules to join us.

Bully Cup XXI Victors!

Each year, the winning Bully Cup team performs the traditional “burning of the tag” to commemorate their victory. The original plaque had room for 20 tags so this year we had to make room for more tags on the trophy. Thanks to Andy Morrissette and his staff for doing a great job on the renovations. Bully’s never looked better. Left - Captain Duane Janssen gets the festivities started.

Top - Left to right: Michael Underwood, Hud Haas and Willie Wallace get their burn on.

Bottom - Left to right: Tom Reed, John Colligan and Trey Kemp

National Golf Day 2017 Set for April 26 in Washington, D.C. Industry Leaders to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with National Mall Service Project (ST. AUGUSTINE, FL) – WE ARE GOLF – a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners – today announces the 10th annual National Golf Day will be held Wednesday, April 26 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. National Golf Day celebrates the game’s nearly $70 billion economy, $4 billion annual charitable impact (updated data available January 25) and many environmental and fitness benefits. Industry leaders will meet with Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and federal agencies to discuss golf’s 15,200-plus diverse businesses, two million jobs impacted, tax revenue creation and tourism value.

New for 2017, golf industry leaders will arrive Monday, April 24 to participate in a community service initiative on the National Mall the morning of Tuesday, April 25. The initiative will focus on beautification, preservation and helping the National Park Service with turf deferred maintenance. More details will be available soon.

"We look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Golf Day by educating our country's lawmakers about the game's significant impact," said Steve Mona, Chief Executive Officer of World Golf Foundation, administrator of WE ARE GOLF. "As we await a new Presidential administration this month, we are optimistic about the momentum for golf in 2017 and also pleased with the strides our industry has made on Capitol Hill in the last decade to ensure that golf's interests are effectively represented."

In May 2016, National Golf Day was the most successful to date with over 120 scheduled Congressional meetings in one day. Globally, the #NGD16 Twitter campaign eclipsed 52 million impressions and reached 17.7 million accounts, including 4.4 million users in a one-hour span.

Organizations who participated include the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, United States Golf Manufacturers Council, World Golf Foundation and others.

To join the conversation, visit the WE ARE GOLF social media hub. Use #NGD17 and @wearegolf on Twitter and Instagram to show your support for the golf industry.

About WE ARE GOLF WE ARE GOLF, created in 2010, is an industry coalition that communicates the economic, charitable and environmental impact of golf, as well the health and wellness benefits of the game and the affordability and accessibility of golf, to Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and regulatory agencies. The goal of WE ARE GOLF is to ensure that laws and regulations that impact the golf industry are fair and appropriate to an industry that generates nearly $70 billion in economic impact annually, impacts close to two million American jobs and generates nearly $4 billion in charitable giving each year.

For more information, please visit www.wearegolf.org.

Starting April 17, 2017!

Member Profile - Anthony Williams CGCS The North Texas GCSA is proud to introduce one of the newest members to our Association, Mr. Anthony Williams, CGCS. Anthony has had a distinguished career in the Southeast and has been recognized with many awards for his service and environmental stewardship. He is the new Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Landscape Operations at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Anthony took time out of his busy schedule to answer our profile questions so we can get to know him better. He and his staff are no doubt nose to the grindstone preparing the TPC for the Byron Nelson, but please reach out to him when you get a chance to give him a North Texas sized Howdy and Welcome!

How did you become involved in the golf industry?

My professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Dr. Eddie Seagle suggested I pursue a career in Golf, soon after I met legendary Golf Course Superintendent Palmer Maples Jr. he was a huge influence on my career. I applied for and got my first golf job at Stouffer PineIsle Resort in 1985 where we hosted five LPGA World Championships. It was amazing.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

The most difficult part of my job is keeping ahead of the weather, budgets, staffing and regulatory pressures while exceeding our members expectations!

What do you find to be the biggest challenge facing your profession today?

Growing the game! Now more than ever the golf industry needs golf course superintendents that are doing great work and are willing and able to be the face of our industry and tell their stories to the entire community. We should be stewards of the game as well as stewards of the land.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned in the golf management profession?

To always be willing to give back to the people and organizations that make our jobs possible, I followed the example of many superintendent leaders and volunteered my time and talents where ever I

could, I found that no matter how much I gave I got more back every time. I hope that my legacy as a superintendent will be one of service.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an avid Martial Artist and Archer. I am a 9th degree Black Belt in the National College of Martial Arts and student of Hanshi Lou Angel, I helped pay for my turf degree by teaching martial arts at ABAC and have won numerous championships in traditional martial arts and archery.

Williams is joined by a “who’s who” of golf course maintenance at the GIS in Orlando. Left to right: Bob Farren (PineHurst), Bruce Williams (GCSAA Past President), Anthony Williams (TPC Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas) and Marsh Benson (Augusta National) “Not a bad foursome!”

What is the strangest thing you have ever seen on a golf course?

I once saw a gentleman make a 9 foot eagle putt on our signature hole after hitting his approach shot over a police car (lights flashing) as we escorted two suspects (B&E) who were tracked onto our property from the nearby water park complete with Blood Hounds. When I asked the golfer why he hit into an obvious police situation, he said, "I thought you waved me through" What are your Expectations of the North Texas GCSA? I will be an active member of the North Texas GCSA, taking advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.

The reputation of excellence of the North Texas GCSA was established by the dedication and hard work of many superintendent/leaders, it is my highest aspiration to honor their example each day.

How have you been able to give back to your profession?

I have served on many Boards, Committees and Task Forces within the golf/greens industry. Most recently I won the Georgia GCSA Distinguished Service Award after fourteen years of Board service (President 2010-11) and I published a college text book with John Wiley and Sons publishing entitled The Environmental Stewardship Toolkit:How to Build, Implement, and Maintain an Environmental Plan for Grounds and Golf Courses it debuted at the 2012 Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Continued on next page

I also served two years as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador after winning the GCSAA Excellence in Government Relations Award in 2014.

What is your opinion of the role of an Assistant Superintendent?

The Assistant Superintendent serves a critical role in our industry, they are both mentoring under the superintendent and leading the team while the superintendent is handling other matters. It is a critical relationship that is built on trust and respect. I could never have served the industry without a trusted assistant keeping our programs and projects moving forward to our standard. I was instrumental in establishing the Assistant Superintendent of the Year award at the Georgia GCSA to recognize the value and contributions of these outstanding but sometimes underappreciated leaders Tell us about your family?

I have a great family! My wife Phyllis and I have been married for 32 years. We met in college at ABAC and were actually married on campus in the Chapel of All Faiths. We have one son, Luke who is 30 years old and a Fourth Degree Black Belt and helps run our family Dojo, the Cornerstone Martial Arts Society.

Who would be in your dream foursome, and where would you play?

Gary Player, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Byron Nelson and I would play Augusta National Where do you see yourself in ten years Celebrating 10 years of service and success in the North Texas Golf industry!

If you had the chance to change careers and do something different, what would it be?

Motivational Speaker/Life Coach Thank you Anthony and welcome again to the North Texas GCSA. We look forward to your support and participation.

Good luck hosting the Byron Nelson PGA event in May. Did they mention there might be a teeny weeny chance of rain in May?? No worries, things will be great!

ANTHONY WILLIAMS NAMED DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPING OPERATIONS AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND CLUB DALLAS AT LAS COLINAS This press release was distributed by the Four Seasons when Anthony was hired.

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas announces Anthony Williams is the new Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Landscaping at the acclaimed golf resort, spanning 400 acres of property.

Williams joins the Four Seasons Dallas family after a 30-year career with Marriott Hotels, a run that culminated with Anthony receiving the brand’s highest honor – the J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence – an award given to only a few individuals per year within the company. In a most recent role with Marriott, Anthony was responsible for 36 holes of golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club and was also the arborist for 3,200 acres of Stone Mountain Park.

"I am blessed to have experienced all that I have throughout my career," says Williams. “I have worked with amazing people and I truly believe that by empowering your staff, your organization will thrive by leaps and bounds. I look forward to working with my new team at Four Seasons Dallas and taking great care of the property grounds and golf courses.”

Anthony, a Georgia native, was a highly-decorated superintendent within the Marriott organization and for pioneering leadership in environmental stewardship. Williams was awarded both the Superintendent of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards in the Georgia section of the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association (GGCSA). In 2009, Anthony was awarded the TurfNet Media Group Superintendent of the Year, a nationally recognized honor. In addition to the accolades, Anthony is also an accomplished speaker and writer, having published the book titled The Environmental Stewardship Toolkit: How to Build, Implement, and Maintain an Environmental Plan for Grounds and Golf Courses. Writing skills are put to great use on a regular basis, as Williams is an Environmental Contributing Editor at Golfdom magazine.

Anthony has acquired a host of certifications in the golf industry including: Golf Course Superintendent, Arborist, Ornamental Landscaping, Grounds Manager and Master Gardener. Additionally, Anthony is certified as a Life Coach and as a Franklin Covey Coach and Trainer. Over the course of a prosperous career, Anthony has maintained many cultivars of bentgrass in the difficult Transitional Zone while continuing to do research and applications with both ultra dwarf Bermuda grasses as well as the more shade tolerant zoysia grasses. Within the industry, Anthony has served the USGA through the Green Section Committee and the Golf Course Superintendent's Association, both within the Georgia Section, as a Board Member and Officer and on the Environment and Leadership task forces.

This “Master Gardner” is also a trained 9th degree black belt in the National College of Martial Arts.

Balancing Innovation and Sound Agronomics Sales, Contract Service, and Rental options available Call Today to See The Equipment Turf Professionals Trust

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2017

Congratulations!

To our 2017 Legacy Scholarship Winners. These terrific young people were selected and awarded college scholarship funds to help their higher education efforts. Thanks to all who supported these scholarships by your participation at the 2016 Scholarship Tournament held at Dallas Athletic Club. Thanks to all recipients who were able to accept their award at the 2017 Banquet. Good luck with your academic efforts. More photos on the next page

Rachel Herrera - daughter of Mark Herrera Freshman at Texas Woman’s University, Denton

Shelly Freshwater - daughter of Jeff Freshwater Senior at Centennial High School, Frisco

Karsten Harrison - son of J.K. Harrison Senior at Granbury High School

More Scholarship Winners for the 2017 Annual Awards Banquet.

Jenna Underwood - daughter of Michael Underwood Freshman - Howard Payne University

Brooklyn Bailey - daughter of Josh Thompson Senior - Tolar High School Not able to attend the banquet because of academic schedule were: Claire Schick - daughter of Aaron Schick Sophomore - Mississippi State University

Brook Livingston - daughter of Joe Livingston Theater of Arts, Hollywood, CA Congratulations again to these terrific students and thank you for applying.

2018 Scholarship applications will be available in the Fall of 2017 and will be awarded at the 2018 Banquet. Applications will be available at ntgcsa.org

GCSAA APP UPDATED WITH MANY NEW FEATURES Download the latest GCSAA app for instant access to GCSAA news, resources and tools — available for iOS and Android On the heels of the newly redesigned gcsaa.org, the GCSAA app has also been updated with a new look and new features.

Updated features include an intuitive interface, new tools and calculators, member directory enabled with Geo search and text, and the ability to update your profile.

Additional features include instant access to GCSAA’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, and digital GCM Magazine.

View the latest GCSAATV segments or latest Job Board postings

Deep Roots The Life of a Golf Course Superintendent Bravo! Check out this really great video produced by our colleagues of the Atlantic Golf Course Superintendents Association.

The video does a great job of communicating the challenges and rewards of being a golf course superintendent.

Share it with your friends, families and especially the golfers

Chapter Leadership Symposium - Lawrence , Kansas Forty-three leaders from 27 affiliated chapters strengthened their leadership skills at the 2017 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium, March 14-15 at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. The symposium is funded, in part, by the Williams Leadership Endowment Fund through the Environmental Institute for Golf.

This annual event allows chapters to send a volunteer leader and association staff. The program is intended to strengthen each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes, and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter effectiveness. Attendees participate in sessions focused on a broad segment of volunteer and association management topics with plenty of time to network with their peers from around the country. GCSAA staff also highlighted the various ways the association can assist in chapter operations. In addition, the attendees broke off into separate groups focused on issues related to association management and development.

GCSAA CEO J. Rhett Evans opened the session focusing how attendees can “Make a Difference.”

Bryan Brown and Carol Cloud Evans paralleled William H. McRaven’s experience as a former United States Navy Admiral involved represented the NTGCSA at in special forces operations and the oversight of the Navy Seal program. this special event.

“Making a Difference” is about excelling at the little things so you will be ready to succeed when bigger opportunities arise. It is also about needing a good team, moving forward and being your best during dark moments. Improving is about starting the day by completing a task, taking risks and never giving up.

Chapters also had the opportunity to learn from one another.

Randy Robinson from the Iowa GCSA discussed events leading to a banner year in 2016. The chapter implemented a “VIP” or Valued Industry Partner Program with affiliate members, completed and published results from a recent golf course water study and unveiled a new website.

Joseph Haskins from the Mid-Atlantic chapter outlined how their year-long match play championship is a success.

Adam Ikamas of the Michigan GCSA and Brian Laurent of the Miami Valley GCSA discussed member engagement, social media concepts and a strategy for message delivery.

Following programmatic updates on Best Management Practices, Rounds4Research and Government Affairs updates, Shelia Finney, senior director of member programs discussed upcoming GCSAA initiatives, including a new member onboarding program to enhance outreach efforts, membership growth and retention strategies and member access with GCSAA’s new website.

Tuesday’s session concluded with roundtable groups focusing on: Holding Creative Education Events, Student Involvement, Enhancing Communications and Operations, Rounds4Research Implementation, and Hosting Quality Golf Events. This session allowed for sharing of Best Management Practices and was well received by attendees.

Wednesday morning, Paul Long, the founder of a concept called “Fundamism” was the keynote speaker and highlighted Fundamism and Leadership. The session was interactive, allowing attendees to rate how they are an effective leader and areas to improve. He used simple techniques to be accountable to yourself and others. Paul also discussed successful strategies for working with millennials.

GCSAA Chief Operating Officer J.D. Dockstader concluded the education session with highlights on the Golf Industry Show, intel from the member needs assessment and key programs for the success of members.

Thank you Bryan and Carol for attending. The NTGCSA would like to have representation at this event every year!

GCSAA Elections at Golf Industry Show

MAYNARD TAKES HELM AS GCSAA PRESIDENT Members elect nine-member board of directors and approve dues increase at annual meeting.

Lawrence, Kan. (Feb. 9, 2017) – Bill H. Maynard, the director of golf course maintenance operations at the Country Club of St. Albans in St. Albans, Mo., has been elected to a one-year term as president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) at the association's annual meeting Feb. 9, held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show in Orlando.

Maynard, a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS), served as vice president of the association in 2016 and has been a member of the association’s board of directors since 2010. A 30-year member of GCSAA, Maynard also is a member and past president of the Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association in the greater Kansas City area, one of 98 GCSAA regional chapters. A native of Nashville, Tenn., the 54-year-old Maynard earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 1986. He succeeds Peter J. Grass, CGCS and golf course superintendent at Hilands Golf Club in Billings, Mont., who served as president in 2016. Grass will continue on the board as immediate past president. “A lot of my friends have said, ‘Don’t forget where you came from,’” said Maynard. “So, it’s important to me that I represent the entire membership. Our professional image has grown, and more of the golf public realizes the role we play. But, I want that recognition to continue, and I want everyone from the 9-hole guy to the multi-course guy to feel that I represent them, and that GCSAA represents them.”

Other elected officers were Darren J. Davis, CGCS and golf course superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Fla., as vice president, and Rafael Barajas, CGCS and director of golf course operations at Boca Grove Plantation in Boca Raton, Fla., as secretary/treasurer.

John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS and grounds and facilities manager at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Country Club; Mark F. Jordan, CGCS and natural resource leader at Westfield Group Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio; and John Walker, director of golf course maintenance at Bentwater Yacht and Country Club in Montgomery, Texas, were re-elected to two-year terms. Kevin P. Sunderman, director of grounds at Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club in Saint Petersburg, Fla., was appointed to complete the one-year remaining on Barajas' term. Kevin P. Breen, CGCS and golf course superintendent at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif., continues his service to the board with one year remaining on his two-year term; while past president John J. O’Keefe, director of golf course maintenance at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., retires from board service. In addition, delegates voted to approve a $5 dues increase for 2017 and amended the definition of equipment managers in the bylaws.

OLD TOM MORRIS ASKS GOLFERS TO “THANK A SUPERINTENDENT” Click the photo of Old Tom to watch video Legendary greenkeeper and four-time Open champion Tom Morris will join top players and celebrities in a 2017 advertising campaign to promote the work of golf course superintendents. David Joy of Scotland plays the role of Morris, who is considered the father of modern greenkeeping and cared for the historic St Andrews course for more than 40 years, until his death in 1908.

The tagline, “If you love golf like I do, then thank a golf course superintendent,” will continue to be used in these television and radio commercials, as well as 2017 print and online advertising by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

“It is rewarding to know that superintendents are held in high esteem,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive officer.

“When influential people say, ‘If you love golf like I do, thank a golf course superintendent,’ it makes our members around the world feel appreciated and proud of the role they play in providing excellent playing conditions for this great game.”

Thirty-second commercials will again air on the Golf Channel from March through September. In addition, radio, print and online advertising will run in numerous markets across the country, including at the local and regional levels where national advertising will be co-branded to support nearly 100 chapter associations.

The new commercial shows Morris at his home course of St Andrews, encouraging golfers to “doff your cap and thank a golf course superintendent.” The spot will run in tandem with an additional commercial featuring some of the best professional golfers, like Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Michelle Wie and Jack Nicklaus, also urging golfers to thank a superintendent.

“Golf course superintendents are widely recognized for skillfully managing the biggest asset of any golf facility – the golf course. But when the top players in the game support the work we do, and we can playfully pay homage to Morris’ contributions, it makes me boastfully proud to be a golf course superintendent for the past 30 years,” said Bill H. Maynard, GCSAA president and a certified golf course superintendent at The Country Club of St. Albans in St. Albans, Mo.

Back in 2017 by Popular Demand!!

The North Texas GCSA Board has decided that Emerald and Bronze Memberships will be available again in 2017! This special membership was a great hit in 2015 and 2016. Members enjoyed pre-paid entry in to all meetings and events (not including Scholarship Tournament and Annual Banquet). It is a great value for vendors and professional members alike. Think about it: 1 trip to the accountant vs. 10! 39 mem-

bers took advantage of this great deal in 2016 and enjoyed free events and hassle free registration.

Available to Affiliate Members $450 for all year!

Available to Professional Members for $450